If you are trying to keep it low carb, honestly, zoodles are a life saver. But plain zoodles can be…well…plain. These Almond Pesto Zucchini Noodles on the other hand are anything but plain. In fact they are loaded with flavor as well is protein and healthy fats!
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The Wholesome Yum Easy Keto Cookbook!
This recipe is generously shared with us today by my friend and fellow food blogger Maya, who just published The Wholesome Yum Easy Keto Cookbook. For some, the idea of embarking on the Ketogenic diet can seem daunting but Maya makes it seem effortless, sustainable, and incredibly delicious! Her book contains over 100 simple (less than 10 ingredients!) low carb recipes that are so yummy you will find it hard to believe they are Keto. Even if you aren’t living a low carb lifestyle, this book is a must have….just saying you might want to use it as a stocking stuffer this year 😉
The Recipe: Low Carb, Keto and Vegetarian!
Before ‘going low carb’ Maya often enjoyed a bowl of pasta with pesto sauce. She found this version to be a great substitute and I completely agree! This vegetarian side dish can be served alone or as a side dish to fish, roasted chicken or a nice steak.
The Almond Pesto:
This recipe calls for a homemade pesto that uses almonds instead of pine nuts. Almonds are less expensive and easier to find so it’s a win/win! These zoodles have an excellent fat to protein ratio for a low carb/keto lifestyle and makes this meal filling enough to be a complete vegetarian meal!
HOW To Make Zucchini Noodles:
If you are lucky you can find pre-spiralized zoodles in your local grocery store. But if you want or need to make your own, no worries, it’s easy! You can use a hand crank spiralizer, which works very well for soft zucchini and also very budget friendly.
Or, if you want an even easier method, or if you plan on spiralizing harder veggies like sweet potatoes, you may want to invest in the attachment for the Kitchen Aid mixer, it’s a dream tool! You can just walk away and let the machine do the work!
The Recipe: Almond Pesto Zucchini Noodles
Tips and what you need: either a hand crank spiralizer or the attachment for the Kitchen Aid mixer. For more delicious recipes you can order The Wholesome Yum Easy Keto Cookbook here.
A delicious, easy vegetarian meal or side dish, this recipe from The Wholesome Yum Easy Keto Cookbook is sure to be a low carb favorite!
- 4 medium zucchini, (1 1/4 pound total) spiralized
- 3/4 teaspoon sea salt, divided 1/4 and 1/2 teaspoon
- 1/3 cup raw almonds (1.7 ounces)
- 2 cups fresh basil, packed (4 ounces)
- 1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (1.3 ounces)
- 2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled and cut into a few pieces
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
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In a colander set in the sink, toss zucchini noodles with 1/4 teaspoon sea salt. Let sit for 30 minutes to drain. Then squeeze to release more water. You don't have to get every last drop out, just most of it. Pat dry.
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Preheat oven to 400 degrees
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Arrange almonds in a single layer on a baking sheet. Toast in oven for 6-8 minutes, until golden and fragrant. Watch them carefully so they don't burn.
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Transfer almonds to a food processor. Pulse a few times until the almonds are broken up into course pieces -don't overmix.
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Add the basil, Parmesan, olive oil, garlic, pepper and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Pulse off and on, scraping sides occasionally, until you get a pesto consistency. Adjust sea salt and pepper to taste- it should be a little on the salty side, as this will be diluted when you add the zucchini noodles.
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In a large sauté pan, heat the avocado oil over medium-high heat. Add the zucchini noodles and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, until al dente.
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Add the pesto and toss to coat. Cook for one more minute until hot. Serve immediately.
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We love pesto’s, almond and walnut are favourites here. This recipe looks so delicious, I must get that attachment for my Kitchen Aid!
That attachment rules:)
So simple and delicious! The pesto is amazing.
I agree!
I was about to comment that I need to dig out my spiralizer from the back of the drawer when I saw that Kitchen Aid attachment! I really need to get one of those, it looks awesome!
You’ll love it! It’s so much easier!
I love pesto and I’ve been looking for more meatless meals to have throughout e week!
Any excuse to eat pesto is a good one. And honestly? Toasted almonds add a lot more flavor than the usual pine nuts so thanks for the recipe!
Thanks Don! Walnuts work great too;)
It’s hard to beat a good pesto, so these are going to be a definite hit!
Sounds pretty easy. And of course zucchini noodles with parm is amazing…
So good! I love the texture of the almonds!
So simple and delicious!! Thank you for this great recipe and sharing the cookbook. I love recipes like this to get plenty of veggie goodness throughout all the seasons.
Never tried it with almond pesto. Thanks for suggestion